Thornycroft Athletic was a works football club based in Basingstoke, Hampshire. For many years they played in the Hampshire League but were forced to close in 1972 - three years after winning the title, following the loss of their ground.
Thornycroft Athletic FC were formed in 1900, as the works side of the Basingtoke-based Thornycroft vehicle manufacturing company. They spent their early days playing friendly fixtures before becoming founder members of the Basingstoke & District League in 1905, where they won the title in 1912.
That same year, Thornycroft Athletic joined the North Division of the Hampshire League but in their first two seasons they twice finished bottom. After the Great War they were placed in the County Division (later to become Division 1) and in 1921 they finished runners-up, and also reached the final of the Hampshire Senior Cup where they beaten by Southampton Reserves. Thornycrofts remained in the top flight before being relegated in 1931âÂÂ32 and after finishing mid-table in Division 2 the following season, the side withdrew from the competition to join the Southern Amateur League, winning the Senior Division 3 title in 1934âÂÂ35.
When normal football resumed after World War II, Thornycrofts returned to the Hampshire League and were placed in Division 1. The post-war era saw the club remain in the league and were regular entrants in the qualifying rounds of the FA Cup but relegation in 1950âÂÂ51 saw a decline in fortunes. After several years of re-building Thornycrofts won the Division 2 title in 1955âÂÂ56 and returned to Division 1 where they remained for three seasons before again being relegated.
The early sixties saw Thornycrofts alternate between Divisions 1 and 2 but won promotion back as runners-up in 1963âÂÂ64. Back in the top flight, Thornycrofts won the title in 1968âÂÂ69, three points clear of local rivals Basingstoke Town â whom they often played against in front of large crowds. Also at this time they also enjoyed extended runs in the qualifying rounds of the FA Cup and FA Trophy.
However, it all came to an end in 1972 when Thornycrofts closed their Basingstoke factory and relocated to Watford, where the company was taken over by Scammell Lorries. Consequently, this resulted in West Ham Park being sold and the club forced to fold.
Thornycroft Athletic played at West Ham Park, Worting Road, Basingstoke. The privately owned venue was fully enclosed with covered accommodation for spectators.
The ground was closed in 1972 after the company's relocation and subsequent takeover. With the town expanding at a rapid rate, the land was sold for housing development.
Members of the successful sixties side included Taffy Davies and Ted Pearce, both of whom later enjoyed long successful spells as managers of north Hampshire rivals Basingstoke Town and Farnborough Town.
Basingstoke Town were as the club's main rivals with their meetings attracted much local interest.